1) The 11th Hour, Nadia Connors, 2007 2) What is the central argument or narrative of the film?
The film advocates the idea that it is not the environment we’re saving, instead its mankind. It suggests that climate change is based on human activity and things must begin to change soon otherwise it may be too late. 3) What sustainability problems does the film draw out?
People do not realize we are a part of nature. It is common for people to think we are unaffected by our decisions. We focus on the prosperity of our economy instead of the overall health of the environment. Exponential population growth and corporate economic globalization are two of the major factors which the film suggests to be major problems. 4) What parts of the film did you find most persuasive and compelling? Why?
One of the most compelling parts of the movie was after the first half hour of discussing losing biodiversity, they showed the beauty of nature, conveyed through videos of majestic wildlife. The thought that all of this could be gone in just a few years made me very upset. 5) What parts of the film were you not compelled or convinced by? Why?
Increased efficiency means greater access to energy which means less responsibility people will take. This in turn will lead to greater energy usage and this “pseudo-solution” will allow people to forget about the problems we face as a population. Because of this, population growth will continue and thus increase the energy demand again. 6) What audiences does the film best address? Why?
The best audience for this film is young adults. It uses persuasive language, images, and videos to convey the main message. It calls for an intervention and young adults are situated in the best circumstances to do so. 7) What could have been added to this film to enhance its environmental educational value?
It is hard for me to find something that could be added to this film to help enhance it because I thought it was very compelling. However, if a little more detail was provided, the horizon of audience members could be expanded. 8) What kinds of action and points of intervention are suggested by the film? If the film itself does not suggest corrective action, describe actions that you can imagine being effective.
The film suggests that industrial systems must be reinvented and economic values must change as well. Consumers want efficient and clean things, but corporations want money over all else. How we design, manufacture, and produce things needs to be reviewed. It also suggests that we look to the environment for inspiration to heal our wounds. 9) What additional information has this film compelled you to seek out?
I was intrigued to see if my theory about energy efficiency leading to increased energy usage was true. Therefore I sought to find more information regarding this. However because of the immense support behind more efficient consumer products and services, it was hard to find sources. The examples found in the links below were very helpful and supported my theory. http://green-broadband.blogspot.com/2010/09/why-energy-efficiency-is-bad-for.html http://www.das.psu.edu/research-extension/dairy/dairy-digest/articles/dd201006-01
2) What is the central argument or narrative of the film?
The film advocates the idea that it is not the environment we’re saving, instead its mankind. It suggests that climate change is based on human activity and things must begin to change soon otherwise it may be too late.
3) What sustainability problems does the film draw out?
People do not realize we are a part of nature. It is common for people to think we are unaffected by our decisions. We focus on the prosperity of our economy instead of the overall health of the environment. Exponential population growth and corporate economic globalization are two of the major factors which the film suggests to be major problems.
4) What parts of the film did you find most persuasive and compelling? Why?
One of the most compelling parts of the movie was after the first half hour of discussing losing biodiversity, they showed the beauty of nature, conveyed through videos of majestic wildlife. The thought that all of this could be gone in just a few years made me very upset.
5) What parts of the film were you not compelled or convinced by? Why?
Increased efficiency means greater access to energy which means less responsibility people will take. This in turn will lead to greater energy usage and this “pseudo-solution” will allow people to forget about the problems we face as a population. Because of this, population growth will continue and thus increase the energy demand again.
6) What audiences does the film best address? Why?
The best audience for this film is young adults. It uses persuasive language, images, and videos to convey the main message. It calls for an intervention and young adults are situated in the best circumstances to do so.
7) What could have been added to this film to enhance its environmental educational value?
It is hard for me to find something that could be added to this film to help enhance it because I thought it was very compelling. However, if a little more detail was provided, the horizon of audience members could be expanded.
8) What kinds of action and points of intervention are suggested by the film? If the film itself does not suggest corrective action, describe actions that you can imagine being effective.
The film suggests that industrial systems must be reinvented and economic values must change as well. Consumers want efficient and clean things, but corporations want money over all else. How we design, manufacture, and produce things needs to be reviewed. It also suggests that we look to the environment for inspiration to heal our wounds.
9) What additional information has this film compelled you to seek out?
I was intrigued to see if my theory about energy efficiency leading to increased energy usage was true. Therefore I sought to find more information regarding this. However because of the immense support behind more efficient consumer products and services, it was hard to find sources. The examples found in the links below were very helpful and supported my theory.
http://green-broadband.blogspot.com/2010/09/why-energy-efficiency-is-bad-for.html
http://www.das.psu.edu/research-extension/dairy/dairy-digest/articles/dd201006-01